Permits Still Available for Minnesota’s Lake Bemidji State Park Youth Deer Hunt
Permits are still available for the Oct. 13-14 youth hunt at Lake Bemidji State Park in northwestern Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This firearms hunt is open to youth ages 12 to 15.
“We’ve expanded the hunt area this year by 365 acres over last year,” said Pete Harrison, Lake Bemidji State Park manager. “This expansion should increase harvest opportunities and allow youth to explore more of the park as they enjoy their hunt.”
Youth hunters must have a firearms safety certificate and purchase a youth hunt license. They also must be accompanied by a parent or have parental approval to be accompanied by another adult mentor over age 18. Parents and mentors may not hunt during the youth deer hunts.
Participating in the youth hunt does not prevent a youth from hunting in the regular season, although harvested deer do count against the youth’s annual bag limit. Either sex deer may be taken. Bonus permits may be used to tag antlerless deer. More details can be found in the 2012 Hunting Regulations booklet or online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/hunting/. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bemidji/ for a map of hunting area.
A mandatory hunter orientation will be held Friday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. Youth hunters interested in participating in the hunt must call the park at 218-308-2300 and provide the following information: first name, middle name, last name, street address, city, state, zip, phone; age on Oct. 13-14; and name of adult mentor.
The Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park will serve a complimentary hunter’s hot breakfast from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the park Dining Hall on Saturday, Oct. 13. All youth and their mentors are welcome.
Camping is available at the park. The bathrooms are closed for the season, but vault toilets and water are available. Camping is $15 per night for a nonelectric site and $20 per night with electricity. Four new camper cabins are also available for $50 per night. Reservations can be made by calling 866-857-2757 (TTY 952-936-4008) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Vehicle permits are required to park in any designated area of the park while hunting and to attend the orientation ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit). For more information, call Pete Harrison, Lake Bemidji State Park manager, at 218-308-2390.
